1998 BMW 316 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Senator would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (103 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 97 kg more than 1998 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Opel Senator (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 316 | Senator |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.6 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 44 L |
